Capacity Building Training for LGBTQ+ Service Providers

A five-hour workshop for LGBTQ+ service providers and those looking to build their foundational understanding of working with LGBTQ+ survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV).


Training Description:

Research has repeatedly shown that LGBTQ+ survivors of IPV are less likely to access traditional domestic violence services and are more likely to seek LGBTQ+ affirming therapists and resources at LGBTQ+ centers. This day-long workshop aims to bridge the knowledge gap for those not specifically working in the GBV field and provide crucial information about the dynamics of IPV, the barriers LGBTQ+ survivors face when seeking traditional care, safety planning, and trauma-informed approaches to supporting survivors. Additionally, this workshop will cover safety considerations for providers and strategies to mitigate vicarious trauma. Participants will leave this workshop better prepared to serve LGBTQ+ survivors of IPV.


Training Objectives:

  • After this workshop, participants will be able to:
  • Define domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and gender based violence, and explain the types of abuse a survivor experiences.
  • Identify the unique barriers LGBTQ+ survivors experience when seeking out supportive services.
  • Create a safety plan and consider the impacts of law enforcement in that plan. 
  • Identify concrete steps to improve their agency’s response to the most marginalized LGBTQ+ survivors – BIPOC, trans, and bisexual survivors.
  • Clearly communicate about the sexual health of survivors.
  • Differentiate between the characteristics and actions of survivors and those who cause harm with the intent to gain power and control. 
  • Practice a personalized self-care plan to increase sustainability in this work. 


Content Overview:

  • Introduction
  • Card exercise and debrief
  • Dynamics of IPV
  • Barriers to leaving an abusive relationship
  • IPV in the LGBTQ+ community
  • Barriers to Care
  • Centering BIPOC LGBTQ+ survivors
  • Safety Planning 
  • Trauma-informed approaches when working with survivors
  • Safety considerations for providers
  • Practicing self-care and mitigating vicarious trauma


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